Statement on FY 2023 Omnibus Spending Package Agreement

By Soumi Saha, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

Premier is heartened that Congress has embraced the holiday spirit and worked together to develop a bipartisan FY 2023 omnibus funding package that recognizes the need to continue to provide vital support to the American healthcare system. Most critically, the package takes action, as called for by Premier, to mitigate looming across the board cuts to Medicare and the expiration of critical payment programs that hospitals, health systems and clinicians faced heading into the new year. Premier appreciates Congress doing what it can this year to strengthen patient care and is intent on building on this positive movement in the 118th Congress to fully address Medicare payment shortfalls and make providers whole.

Healthcare providers that are innovating care across the nation will also welcome the extension of Medicare incentive payments for participation in Advanced Alternative Payment Models (AAPMs). Premier and our members have a long record of vigorously advocating in support of the movement to value-based care and we are encouraged that Congress shares this commitment.

Premier also commends Congress for taking the time to reflect on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic while our experiences are fresh. The package contains many of Premier’s recommendations on the Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and Pandemics Act (PREVENT Pandemics Act) around strengthening the Strategic National Stockpile, mitigating drug and device shortages, and maintaining supply chain integrity. Premier will continue to advocate for additional policies to modernize the nation’s supply chain data infrastructure, incentivize domestic manufacturing, and expand clinical surveillance technology in nursing homes in the 118th Congress.

Premier also applauds Congress for tackling other bipartisan, bicameral policies that preserve important tools that allow providers to better serve patients, including extending telehealth flexibilities, the Hospital at Home program and Medicaid post-partum coverage.

While much of the FY 2023 omnibus is welcome news, we are remiss that other bipartisan, bicameral and common-sense legislation was not included such as ensuring federal policy supports long-term care pharmacies and home infusion providers.

We call on the House and Senate to act swiftly to pass the omnibus package. Our nation’s healthcare communities are in urgent need of these reliefs.